Recording an Irregular Heartbeat
What are Holter and Event Monitoring?
Holter and event monitoring are two painless ways to record your heartbeat away from the doctor's office. Each one is a small electrocardiogram (ECG) that you carry with you. They record your heartbeat for your doctor to review at a later time. The Holter records your heartbeat nonstop for at least 24 hours. The event monitor lets you record your irregular heartbeat as you feel it. You simply press a button. You may carry this monitor for days or weeks. You can receive your heart monitor in a hospital, test center, or doctor's office.
Your Holter Monitor
When you receive a Holter monitor, small, painless pads (electrodes) are put on your chest. These connect to the lightweight unit, which attaches to a belt or shoulder strap. You need to keep the device on for at least 24 hours and complete a diary.
While wearing the monitor follow these tips:
- Try to sleep on your back.
- Don't take a shower. A sponge bath is OK.
- Follow your normal routine. Don't avoid stress, work, or exercise.
- If an electrode falls off or the unit makes noise, call to see what you should do.
* You'll be shown how to use your Holter monitor.
* Be sure to keep a diary while wearing a monitor.
Your Event Monitor
After you are shown how to use your event monitor, carry it with you at all times. When you feel a symptom, activate the monitor by pressing a button (wristwatch style) or holding it to your chest (small box or credit card style). Be sure to keep a diary.
When Using a Monitor
Stay away from electric blankets, magnets, metal detectors, and high-voltage areas such as power lines. They may affect the recording.
Holter Monitor
In the diary:
- Write in the time of day for each entry you make.
- Note each change in activity, including when you take medicine.
- Note any symptoms you feel.
Sample Holter Monitor Diary
Time
|
Activity
|
Symptom
|
7:00 am
|
Took medicine
|
None
|
7:30 am
|
Ate breakfast
|
None
|
8:00 am
|
Drove to work
|
Heart beat faster
|
9:00 am
|
Meeting with boss
|
Heart beat faster
|
Note: Your diary entries will differ from the samples shown above
Event Monitor
In the diary:
- Write the date and time for each entry you make.
- Note any symptoms you feel and what you are doing at that time.
- Note when you take your medicine.
Sample Event Monitor Diary
Date
|
Time
|
Activity
|
Symptom
|
May 12
|
8:00 am
|
Got dressed
|
Felt dizzy
|
May 15
|
9:15 am
|
Drove to work
|
Mild chest pains
|
May 21
|
5:56 pm
|
Shopping
|
Felt Dizzy
|
Note: Your diary entries will differ from the samples shown above.
Your Test Results
You will be told how to return the monitor and data. A computer is usually used to analyze the data. Then a report is prepared for your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.
